Ezekiel 25:8-11 – Don’t be upended by pride.

In Ezekiel 25:1-7, we have God’s message of judgment for Ammon. His message of judgment for Moab is found in verses 8-11. Moab as we know was the other incestuous son of Lot whom his other daughter had borne for him. In the Scripture, both the destiny of Ammon and Moab are linked. The descendants of these brothers had opposed Israel right from the start. Even at this point, the animosity had not abated.

Their offense according was their cluelessness that what happened to God’s people in Judah was the Lord’s doing. Hence, they concluded that like the world, Judah was a helpless victim of Babylon.  So, like Ammon, Moab also jeered, mocked, and rejoiced at Judah’s calamity.

Bear in mind that Lot their ancestor was linked to Abraham. They should have considered their tie in history and have some feelings for the patriarch’s descendants. Yet they were totally heartless toward them. They chose to be blind to the plight that they were going through.  So, God’s judgment of Moab would be the same as what God had for Ammon. Her border cities of Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim would be intruded upon by the tribesmen of the east. Moab was wiped out by Babylon and the land was possessed by Bedouins from the east.  

In Jeremiah 48:46-47, the Prophet Jeremiah made known that the key cities in Moab would end up being burnt and the people captured and taken into captivity. But in God’s mercy, He promised to restore the fortune of Moab in the latter days.   The Lord’s purpose for judgment on Moab would be the same as what He had for Ammon – that “they will know that I am the Lord.”

Moab’s key problem was her pride which led to her arrogance. Pride is dangerous because it is the cause of one to be blind to what God is doing. Pride also makes one to be self-centered and self-conceited. It always causes one to make foolish decisions to outdo others needlessly. Pride goes before a fall and a haughty spirit before destruction. Knowing that God is in control and living a life of thanksgiving to Him will help us to curb pride.   The chief cause of pride is the letter “I” in the center of the word. Remember Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.”